Recent increases in resources for achiev-ing the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support have given renewed impetus to the longer-standing political commitment for achieving targets in sexual and repro-ductive health and rights. As a result, we see increasing optimism that progress on these interdependent goals can be achieved – particularly if they are tackled together.The AIDS response has been remarkably successful in transform-ing a deafening demand for inclusive policy processes and evidence-informed, rights-based programmes into tangible achievements measured in lives saved and dignity restored. The most visible manifestations of these achievements are the more than 4 million people presently on antiretroviral treatment and the tremendous advances in overcoming the stigma and discrimination faced by people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, and sex workers and their clients.It is encouraging to see evidence that well designed AIDS responses can and do strengthen health systems.